Effect of cerium oxide addition on electrical and physical properties of alkali borosilicate glasses

The study of electrical conductivity, density and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Na2O:K2O:B2O3:SiO2:BaO glass samples with addition of cerium oxide has been carried out. It has been observed that the addition of cerium oxide affects the electrical conductivity, density and CTE. The results have been explained on the basis of the variation in number of bridging oxygens (BOs) and non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) present in the glass. In general, the glass with more NBOs has a weak network which exhibits higher electrical conductivity. The weakening of the network has been supported by the observed decrease in density and increase in CTE for the glasses.